Genetic mapping of a mutant gene producing three pistils per floret in common wheat.

A common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) mutation that produces 3 pistils (TP) per floret may result in formation of up to 3 kernels per floret. The TP trait may be important for increasing the number of grains per spike and for improving the yield potential through breeding. This trait is determined by the dominant Pis1 gene. Genetic mapping of Pis1 involved 234 microsatellite markers and bulk segregant analysis of a cross of the TP line with Novosibirskaya 67. The Pis1 gene is located on chromosome 2DL, between markers Xgwm539 and Xgwm349. This result does not agree with a previously published localization of the Pis1 gene on chromosome 5B. The possible importance of TP wheat as an alternative genetic resource is discussed.